Driver fleeing police struck man near 93rd Street in Lubbock
May 07, 2026 | Lubbock, TX
A 70-year-old man lost his life after a vehicle struck him during a police chase in a residential neighborhood.
Francis Romanofski, 70, died after a fleeing driver struck him while he walked his dog near 93rd Street and Memphis Avenue in Lubbock.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded when a driver, attempting to flee a traffic stop, collided with Francis Romanofski as he walked his dog near 93rd Street and Memphis Avenue. Law enforcement from the Lubbock Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Lubbock County Sheriff's Office pursued the vehicle across multiple blocks, involving aerial support from a DPS helicopter.
- Date and Time: Thursday, May 7
- Location: 93rd Street and Memphis Avenue, Lubbock, Texas
- Victim: Francis Romanofski, 70, pronounced dead at University Medical Center
- Suspect: Gene Davis, arrested after his vehicle was disabled by a deputy
- Charges: Evading arrest in a vehicle resulting in death
- Additional Note: Romanofski's dog sustained no injuries
The Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and collision.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents During Pursuits Occur?
Pursuits add layers of risk to already dangerous pedestrian environments. Factors like high speeds in populated areas and divided attention for drivers contribute to these preventable tragedies. Nationally, pedestrian fatalities have risen, with data highlighting the need for stricter protocols.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian deaths in the first half of 2024 |
3,304 |
Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) |
Increase from the previous decade |
48% |
GHSA Report |
Annual U.S. pedestrian fatalities (average) |
About 7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
This table underscores the urgency of addressing road safety, drawing from reports by the GHSA and NHTSA.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian collisions, thorough investigations are crucial for determining liability.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from accident analysis:
- An accident reconstruction team may be essential to reconstruct the circumstances and identify negligence.
- Proper resources ensure comprehensive reviews of environmental and driver factors.
- Families can pursue compensation for losses, including medical expenses and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
For wrongful death claims:
- Damages may cover loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, and funeral costs.
- Attorneys advocate to counter lowball insurance offers and secure fair settlements.
- Compassionate guidance helps families navigate legal complexities during grief.
The family of Francis Romanofski may explore options for a wrongful death claim to seek accountability.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).